Hilltop Christian School - Pray that God will bless the efforts of our task force and ultimately bring us an increase in enrollment.
Derek Lewis - Living with Cancer. Intensive chemotherapy was begun, but was stopped because he was not tolerating it well. He is home now.
David Sarkar - Comfort on the death of his eldest sister in Bangladesh. He and his daughter have traveled there for funeral services. Pray for traveling mercies and a safe return.
Darrel Carson - His mother, Zelda Carson, passed away in Redding. The family is gathering in Fortuna this weekend for memorial services. His father passed away in the summer of 2007.
Bob Neufeld - living with cancer. He is the brother of Antioch members Victor and Elisabeth Neufeld.
Christina Lott - Lost her job last week. Pray that God will provide new employment in this difficult economy.
Mary Fua - continuing rehabilitation from her recent hospitalization and illness.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sermon Series
This weekend at church I'm starting a series of sermons called "Amazing Grace, Amazing Graciousness." We'll be reminding ourselves from the Bible how gracious God has been us...and hearing his call to be gracious to those around us.
Featured in the series are the lyrics to "There's a wideness in God's Mercy"...one of my favorite hymn texts.
I like these especially
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
But we make his love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify his strictness
With a zeal he will not own.
So let's get acquainted with the Real God from the Bible
The God and Father of us all...the God of Grace.
I hope these messages will be a blessing.
Featured in the series are the lyrics to "There's a wideness in God's Mercy"...one of my favorite hymn texts.
I like these especially
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
But we make his love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify his strictness
With a zeal he will not own.
So let's get acquainted with the Real God from the Bible
The God and Father of us all...the God of Grace.
I hope these messages will be a blessing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Fingernails
I read a story and saw this picture of a woman in Utah. She obviously has been working on her nails for a long time.
But this month, they were broken off in a car accident. She's going to be O.K. but she'll have to start over on her manicure.
Reflecting on this, I realize that it must have been hard for her to do much over the years. My guess is she is NOT a court recorder or a massage therapist or a heart surgeon or a dentist. She likely is not ballerina or a traffic cop or a dog groomer.
It does beg the question. What does she do? Perhaps the answer is "not too much." Perhaps she is a professional fingernail grower.
My prayer today is that we will keep our hands ready to do meaningful work, and not let them become show pieces, good for nothing
But this month, they were broken off in a car accident. She's going to be O.K. but she'll have to start over on her manicure.
Reflecting on this, I realize that it must have been hard for her to do much over the years. My guess is she is NOT a court recorder or a massage therapist or a heart surgeon or a dentist. She likely is not ballerina or a traffic cop or a dog groomer.
It does beg the question. What does she do? Perhaps the answer is "not too much." Perhaps she is a professional fingernail grower.
My prayer today is that we will keep our hands ready to do meaningful work, and not let them become show pieces, good for nothing
Friday, February 20, 2009
Facebook Notes
I've been on Facebook for 12 days now...going on 13. In that time I have connected with 360+ friends that I know or who know me. Some are close and some are distant friends, but it's an amazing thing.
I've been on MySpace for 3-4 years...and in all that time I have amassed 38 friends. I think I'll keep this account...but not do much with it.
Facebook...in my adult opinion is much easier and more beneficial for the person looking to stay in touch with their sphere of influence.
I've been on MySpace for 3-4 years...and in all that time I have amassed 38 friends. I think I'll keep this account...but not do much with it.
Facebook...in my adult opinion is much easier and more beneficial for the person looking to stay in touch with their sphere of influence.
A Gift from God
My dear wife, Debbie, and I just returned from enjoying a gift from God.
Last November, we won an overnight stay at the Gaia Hotel in Anderson. We had taken 5 cans of food to the "Turkey Trot" as part of a canned food drive. We received 5 raffle tickets and were thrilled that 2 of our tickets were winners. (We never win anything, you understand.)
One of the prises was this overnight stay.
It had to be used in the next several months, so we made plans to use it during this transition time when Debbie is mostly in Redding and Kris is mostly in Antioch.
The hotel is a GREEN hotel. It has environmental friendly systems and is supposed to have a very small carbon footprint. Our stay included one night in a suite and dinner for two, as well as the included continental breakfast.
The evening meal was delicious, and would have cost $70 had we paid for it. It was in the Swan Lake Bistro. Appetizer Bread, Salads, Entrée, A shared Desert and one drink. We left a tip, and that was the only cash expended for the stay.
That evening, we took a soak in the hotels saline based hot tub. The water was nice and warm, and it felt really good. There were two fountains in the inner area between the three room hubs and the convention center/office/bistro.
The room was spacious.
The bed was very comfy.
The company was exquisite.
We give God praise for this gift from heaven that we could enjoy together and reconnect as a married couple.
We highly recommend that married people continue to date and take mini-honeymoons. We've been doing it for 26 years, and have no plans on quitting.
Last November, we won an overnight stay at the Gaia Hotel in Anderson. We had taken 5 cans of food to the "Turkey Trot" as part of a canned food drive. We received 5 raffle tickets and were thrilled that 2 of our tickets were winners. (We never win anything, you understand.)
One of the prises was this overnight stay.
It had to be used in the next several months, so we made plans to use it during this transition time when Debbie is mostly in Redding and Kris is mostly in Antioch.
The hotel is a GREEN hotel. It has environmental friendly systems and is supposed to have a very small carbon footprint. Our stay included one night in a suite and dinner for two, as well as the included continental breakfast.
The evening meal was delicious, and would have cost $70 had we paid for it. It was in the Swan Lake Bistro. Appetizer Bread, Salads, Entrée, A shared Desert and one drink. We left a tip, and that was the only cash expended for the stay.
That evening, we took a soak in the hotels saline based hot tub. The water was nice and warm, and it felt really good. There were two fountains in the inner area between the three room hubs and the convention center/office/bistro.
The room was spacious.
The bed was very comfy.
The company was exquisite.
We give God praise for this gift from heaven that we could enjoy together and reconnect as a married couple.
We highly recommend that married people continue to date and take mini-honeymoons. We've been doing it for 26 years, and have no plans on quitting.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Mountains
It struck me the other day, as our family transitions to Antioch, California...that I've lived near mountains all my ministry. Such is the beauty and ruggedness of Northern California.
Ukiah - Cow Mountain
Hayfork - Hayfork-Balley
Lakeport - Mt. Knocti
Deer Park - Mt. St. Helena
Redding - Mt Lassen and Mt. Shasta
Antioch - Mt. Diablo
And we're all on our way to Mt. Zion.
Ukiah - Cow Mountain
Hayfork - Hayfork-Balley
Lakeport - Mt. Knocti
Deer Park - Mt. St. Helena
Redding - Mt Lassen and Mt. Shasta
Antioch - Mt. Diablo
And we're all on our way to Mt. Zion.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Welcome to Antioch
Wow...what a weekend!
It was both stressful and exciting. Who isn't stressed going to a new school or a new job for the first day. Well on this day, our family said "Hello" to our new church family, the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church.
We got to our hotel Friday evening, to find flowers and the bulletin and newsletter. (Thank you, Preston and Rose).
The next morning found us arriving early for Sabbath School and Church. The music was awesome, led by a praise band, United in Christ. What a ministry in the church! The worship service continued, with a litany of "Pastoral Installation" led by Elder Mark Woodson, the executive secretary for the Northern California Conference. He introduced our family...yes all 4 of us...Tim came down from PUC for the day (Thanks, Tim) and then there were welcome comments from key church leaders.
The sermon was about Trusting God in the Transitions, lessons from the attitude of Joseph to his brothers...one of forgiveness and grace, and recognizing that God was behind and in all the events of his life. God blessed in the message, and after church we all sat down to a fantastic planned meal. YUMMY!
Then Preston Fletcher, the head elder and I went out to make a hospital visit. One of our elders wives is in ICU...Please pray for Mary. Then he dropped me off at the hotel, where I got to spend a few minutes with Tim, before he left to return to PUC.
Later...about 4:30 we stopped by for another home visit. My long time friend and brother in ministry had had an operation, and we popped in for a visit and prayer.
Then it was on to Vespers at church, where United in Christ led in more singing, then I read my "Cats" poem and sang the song based on Daniel 2 that my Bible teacher, Bill Millard, wrote when I was in High School.
After vespers, there was a "get acquainted game" where I was asked by the members whay my favorite hobby was. I gave three different answers, (Poetry, Golf and ???) and someone finally won a prize for filling out all their blanks. I didn't have a chance...as I was too busy signing other people's forms...and not getting my own signed.
Then there was a 20 min board meeting that I attended, where we discussed a use agreement with a church group called "The Gathering." They want to share the use of our facility, and we hashed out a few details.
Then it was a supper put on by the home and school - Haystacks. Then there was gym night, and Rebekah and I played Basketball.
We crashed into bed at 10:30. What a day. Stressful? Yes. Fun? Yes. A Blessing? Yes.
Thank you, Antioch Family for the wonderful welcome day.
It was both stressful and exciting. Who isn't stressed going to a new school or a new job for the first day. Well on this day, our family said "Hello" to our new church family, the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church.
We got to our hotel Friday evening, to find flowers and the bulletin and newsletter. (Thank you, Preston and Rose).
The next morning found us arriving early for Sabbath School and Church. The music was awesome, led by a praise band, United in Christ. What a ministry in the church! The worship service continued, with a litany of "Pastoral Installation" led by Elder Mark Woodson, the executive secretary for the Northern California Conference. He introduced our family...yes all 4 of us...Tim came down from PUC for the day (Thanks, Tim) and then there were welcome comments from key church leaders.
The sermon was about Trusting God in the Transitions, lessons from the attitude of Joseph to his brothers...one of forgiveness and grace, and recognizing that God was behind and in all the events of his life. God blessed in the message, and after church we all sat down to a fantastic planned meal. YUMMY!
Then Preston Fletcher, the head elder and I went out to make a hospital visit. One of our elders wives is in ICU...Please pray for Mary. Then he dropped me off at the hotel, where I got to spend a few minutes with Tim, before he left to return to PUC.
Later...about 4:30 we stopped by for another home visit. My long time friend and brother in ministry had had an operation, and we popped in for a visit and prayer.
Then it was on to Vespers at church, where United in Christ led in more singing, then I read my "Cats" poem and sang the song based on Daniel 2 that my Bible teacher, Bill Millard, wrote when I was in High School.
After vespers, there was a "get acquainted game" where I was asked by the members whay my favorite hobby was. I gave three different answers, (Poetry, Golf and ???) and someone finally won a prize for filling out all their blanks. I didn't have a chance...as I was too busy signing other people's forms...and not getting my own signed.
Then there was a 20 min board meeting that I attended, where we discussed a use agreement with a church group called "The Gathering." They want to share the use of our facility, and we hashed out a few details.
Then it was a supper put on by the home and school - Haystacks. Then there was gym night, and Rebekah and I played Basketball.
We crashed into bed at 10:30. What a day. Stressful? Yes. Fun? Yes. A Blessing? Yes.
Thank you, Antioch Family for the wonderful welcome day.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Your Friendly Announcer
Over the past few basketball seasons at our school, I've started announcing the starting lineups...and now doing a little play by play during the game. I play a little music here and there...and try to make it an event.
I've had a microphone in my hand ever since I held a stick and a rope as a toy microphone when I was a child. I've always been "the announcer" in high school and college and beyond.
I guess it was fate and God's call that would put before a microphone each week in the pulpit...announcing for God.
Thanks Lumberjacks...for letting me support the team in this way.
"For your dining pleasure...go get some pizza in the entry way..."
I've had a microphone in my hand ever since I held a stick and a rope as a toy microphone when I was a child. I've always been "the announcer" in high school and college and beyond.
I guess it was fate and God's call that would put before a microphone each week in the pulpit...announcing for God.
Thanks Lumberjacks...for letting me support the team in this way.
"For your dining pleasure...go get some pizza in the entry way..."
Farewell
Yesterday was quote a day...as we said good bye to the Redding Church Family.
We were in the foyer for 40 minutes after church, so when we got downstairs..there was no food left for us to eat. We visited for a while...then went home for hotdogs. I then made a brief hospital visit on a member of the Hayfork church, and went home to decrompress for a while.
Six o'clock came quickly, and there were 150 or so members in Smith Hall. It was packed and stuffy, but lots of fun. I hadn't hugged so many people since my wedding! I didn't eat much there either. Something about my stomach doing flip flops.
It's a hard thing to say good bye. I had told the congregation I wouldn't say good bye...just see you later.
There were lots of tears through out the day...and I haven't fully analyzed the source of them...other than they come from having loved and been loved.
I'm very lucky to be so fortunate to be part of a church family.
Thank you Redding for 9 wonderful years. Thank you to the other churches in the area that have also supported us in ministry to the school, church and community. We are better people for having sojourned with you.
Love
Pastor Kris Widmer
We were in the foyer for 40 minutes after church, so when we got downstairs..there was no food left for us to eat. We visited for a while...then went home for hotdogs. I then made a brief hospital visit on a member of the Hayfork church, and went home to decrompress for a while.
Six o'clock came quickly, and there were 150 or so members in Smith Hall. It was packed and stuffy, but lots of fun. I hadn't hugged so many people since my wedding! I didn't eat much there either. Something about my stomach doing flip flops.
It's a hard thing to say good bye. I had told the congregation I wouldn't say good bye...just see you later.
There were lots of tears through out the day...and I haven't fully analyzed the source of them...other than they come from having loved and been loved.
I'm very lucky to be so fortunate to be part of a church family.
Thank you Redding for 9 wonderful years. Thank you to the other churches in the area that have also supported us in ministry to the school, church and community. We are better people for having sojourned with you.
Love
Pastor Kris Widmer
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving List
Here is our annual list of 100+ things we're thankful to God for.
Try doing your own.
List specific things that you are glad God has blessed you with.
Thanksgiving List
1. God
2. Salvation in Jesus
3. The Cross
4. The Hope of the Resurrection
5. A Home in Heaven
6. Grace
7. The G Chord
8. The Bible
9. Drip Watering Systems
10. USB Thumb Drives
11. Poetry
12. Paper
13. Creative Thought
14. Talking it out
15. Flashlights
16. Pets
17. Carpet Cleaning Services
18. Latex Paint
19. Water Based Primer
20. Paintable Caulk
21. Drop Cloths
22. Realtors
23. Generous People
24. Air Travel
25. David and Susan Woods
26. Maranatha Volunteers International and “Mission Stories”
27. Safe Travel
28. Smiles
29. Laughter
30. Leaf Rakes
31. Knife Sharpeners
32. Mixing Bowls
33. New Recipes
34. Calculators
35. Cell Phones
36. Sleeping Bags
37. Doctors
38. Secrets
39. Having a Job
40. America
41. Clocks
42. Photocopiers
43. Singing
44. Baseboard Molding
45. Hardware Stores
46. Homegrown Anything
47. Sharing
48. Sleeping In
49. Winning Raffle Tickets
50. Successful and Safe Mission Trips
51. Ron and Anu Kedras
52. Medicine
53. The Removal of Slivers
54. MP3 Audio Technology
55. Digital Cameras
56. Rubber Gloves
57. Telephones
58. Rentable Storage Space
59. Curbside Trash Collection
60. PVC Pipe
61. Anointing Oil
62. Prayer
63. Creative Thought
64. Thank You Notes
65. Police
66. Firefighters
67. Paramedics
68. The Desire to Give
69. Book Ends
70. Strike Anywhere Matches
71. Slippers
72. Pumpkin Butter
73. Interstate Highway System
74. Rain
75. Blogs
76. Bible Studies
77. Putts that go in
78. Drives that are straight
79. The Story of the Prodigal Son
80. Apple Boxes
81. Beach Combing
82. The incredible edible egg
83. Sunflower Seeds
84. The Turkey Trot
85. Accomplishing Goals
86. Gas Cans
87. People who stop to help
88. Gloves
89. New Possibilities
90. Glue
91. Air Powered Tools
92. Door Mats
93. Marriage
94. Another Year
95. House Painters
96. All Ten Fingers
97. Library Privileges
98. Google Maps
99. Adhesive Bandages
100. Snow
101. Sheet Protectors
102. The ability to change
103. Losing 20 pounds
104. Basketball
105. Baked Potatoes
106. Food Traditions
107. Indian Food
108. Club Soda
109. Twinkle Lights
110. Wooden Spoons
111. Hot Herb Tea
112. Cornstarch
113. Yogurt
114. Text Messaging
115. Blue Tooth
116. Human Diversity and Differences
117. Polenta
118. Weather Stipping
Try doing your own.
List specific things that you are glad God has blessed you with.
Thanksgiving List
1. God
2. Salvation in Jesus
3. The Cross
4. The Hope of the Resurrection
5. A Home in Heaven
6. Grace
7. The G Chord
8. The Bible
9. Drip Watering Systems
10. USB Thumb Drives
11. Poetry
12. Paper
13. Creative Thought
14. Talking it out
15. Flashlights
16. Pets
17. Carpet Cleaning Services
18. Latex Paint
19. Water Based Primer
20. Paintable Caulk
21. Drop Cloths
22. Realtors
23. Generous People
24. Air Travel
25. David and Susan Woods
26. Maranatha Volunteers International and “Mission Stories”
27. Safe Travel
28. Smiles
29. Laughter
30. Leaf Rakes
31. Knife Sharpeners
32. Mixing Bowls
33. New Recipes
34. Calculators
35. Cell Phones
36. Sleeping Bags
37. Doctors
38. Secrets
39. Having a Job
40. America
41. Clocks
42. Photocopiers
43. Singing
44. Baseboard Molding
45. Hardware Stores
46. Homegrown Anything
47. Sharing
48. Sleeping In
49. Winning Raffle Tickets
50. Successful and Safe Mission Trips
51. Ron and Anu Kedras
52. Medicine
53. The Removal of Slivers
54. MP3 Audio Technology
55. Digital Cameras
56. Rubber Gloves
57. Telephones
58. Rentable Storage Space
59. Curbside Trash Collection
60. PVC Pipe
61. Anointing Oil
62. Prayer
63. Creative Thought
64. Thank You Notes
65. Police
66. Firefighters
67. Paramedics
68. The Desire to Give
69. Book Ends
70. Strike Anywhere Matches
71. Slippers
72. Pumpkin Butter
73. Interstate Highway System
74. Rain
75. Blogs
76. Bible Studies
77. Putts that go in
78. Drives that are straight
79. The Story of the Prodigal Son
80. Apple Boxes
81. Beach Combing
82. The incredible edible egg
83. Sunflower Seeds
84. The Turkey Trot
85. Accomplishing Goals
86. Gas Cans
87. People who stop to help
88. Gloves
89. New Possibilities
90. Glue
91. Air Powered Tools
92. Door Mats
93. Marriage
94. Another Year
95. House Painters
96. All Ten Fingers
97. Library Privileges
98. Google Maps
99. Adhesive Bandages
100. Snow
101. Sheet Protectors
102. The ability to change
103. Losing 20 pounds
104. Basketball
105. Baked Potatoes
106. Food Traditions
107. Indian Food
108. Club Soda
109. Twinkle Lights
110. Wooden Spoons
111. Hot Herb Tea
112. Cornstarch
113. Yogurt
114. Text Messaging
115. Blue Tooth
116. Human Diversity and Differences
117. Polenta
118. Weather Stipping
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Transition Talk
We are in the middle of our transition to new responsibilities at the Antioch Church. There have been complications along the way..with Debbie's job particularly. She was fired and then rehired at FULL TIME. In all our years of marriage, she has only worked full time for 2 years, while we were at the Seminary...and I was a full time student.
Our house went on the market on Friday, and we shall see when it sells.
We are in a difficult spot and the length of our transition is being a bit problematic. It will stretch on for another 6 months at least. It's very complicated and I have lots of mixed emotions about everything. Am I glad to be leaving? No. Am I glad to be arriving? yes. Do I like packing? No. Am I sad that my current house has dropped 100,000 dollars in the past year. Yes. Am I glad that I can buy a house much cheaper in our new community? Yes. Am I looking forward to the change? Yes. Am I sad to be leaving the friends I've enjoyed for the past 9 years? Yes. Am I looking forward to new friends in our new community? Yes.
So you see...lots of mixed emotions and anticipations mixed with sadness.
I've finally come to the opinion that God will be with me whereever I am...so I'm glad that as we move to Antioch...God has already been there, will be there to bless our ministry in that church...and will work out the details along the way.
So...praise the Lord.
Jan 10 is now the final sermon day at Redding, and Jan 31 will be our welcome Sabbath at Antioch.
That's how it is in life....one day on the calendar...when it finally arrives brings many changes.
Change on!
Kris Widmer
Our house went on the market on Friday, and we shall see when it sells.
We are in a difficult spot and the length of our transition is being a bit problematic. It will stretch on for another 6 months at least. It's very complicated and I have lots of mixed emotions about everything. Am I glad to be leaving? No. Am I glad to be arriving? yes. Do I like packing? No. Am I sad that my current house has dropped 100,000 dollars in the past year. Yes. Am I glad that I can buy a house much cheaper in our new community? Yes. Am I looking forward to the change? Yes. Am I sad to be leaving the friends I've enjoyed for the past 9 years? Yes. Am I looking forward to new friends in our new community? Yes.
So you see...lots of mixed emotions and anticipations mixed with sadness.
I've finally come to the opinion that God will be with me whereever I am...so I'm glad that as we move to Antioch...God has already been there, will be there to bless our ministry in that church...and will work out the details along the way.
So...praise the Lord.
Jan 10 is now the final sermon day at Redding, and Jan 31 will be our welcome Sabbath at Antioch.
That's how it is in life....one day on the calendar...when it finally arrives brings many changes.
Change on!
Kris Widmer
Happy Thanksgiving
In spite of the sorrow in my world the last couple of weeks, (The deaths at Pacific Union College and the deaths of my friends Bob Buller and Bruno Teichman), we still have much to thank the Lord for this holiday season. God is still God and the promises of the Word of God are still true.
I am currently typing this in Marysville at Thanksgiving with Debbie's Family. This morning started in Redding with Debbie and Rebekah doing the Turkey Trot run on the River Trail. There were many members of our school and church community in the race. In fact, the runners that placed 2nd and 3rd overall were recent alumni of Redding Adventist Academy.
After going home for a dip in the hot tub and shower and breakfast, we drove the 2 hr and 15 min drive to my sister-in-law's house for our feast. We are thankful to be able to be together, and to enjoy traditional recipes and a few new ones. The pecan buttermilk pie we made turned out pretty good actually.
I haven't had the time to work on my list of 100 things that I'm thankful for this year..but I'll work on that this weekend and post it here soon.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a good December. Visit the stable this Christmas, see the Christ come again to our world...and be in wonderment once again.
Fondly
Pastor Kris
I am currently typing this in Marysville at Thanksgiving with Debbie's Family. This morning started in Redding with Debbie and Rebekah doing the Turkey Trot run on the River Trail. There were many members of our school and church community in the race. In fact, the runners that placed 2nd and 3rd overall were recent alumni of Redding Adventist Academy.
After going home for a dip in the hot tub and shower and breakfast, we drove the 2 hr and 15 min drive to my sister-in-law's house for our feast. We are thankful to be able to be together, and to enjoy traditional recipes and a few new ones. The pecan buttermilk pie we made turned out pretty good actually.
I haven't had the time to work on my list of 100 things that I'm thankful for this year..but I'll work on that this weekend and post it here soon.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a good December. Visit the stable this Christmas, see the Christ come again to our world...and be in wonderment once again.
Fondly
Pastor Kris
Friday, October 03, 2008
Rebekah Widmer on Maranatha Mission Stories
You can see the interview that my daughter, Rebekah Widmer had with Dick Duerksen at Maranatha.org or follow the link below.
Maranatha Video of Rebekah Widmer
Or you can order Episode 65...and have the whole thing!
It is exciting to see the final verse( "Go Ye...") used in the interview on the installed stained glass window in the new church at Antioch California. That will by our new home and new parish starting in 2009.
Enjoy
Pastor O. Kris Widmer
Maranatha Video of Rebekah Widmer
Or you can order Episode 65...and have the whole thing!
It is exciting to see the final verse( "Go Ye...") used in the interview on the installed stained glass window in the new church at Antioch California. That will by our new home and new parish starting in 2009.
Enjoy
Pastor O. Kris Widmer
Angels Watchin' Over Me
This week my sermon text is Jacob and the time he wrestled with a man/angel/divine being.
Jacob saw angels on at least three occasions.
Genesis 28:12
He saw the ladder to heaven with angels going up and down. What a comfort to him and to us too to know that any place on earth, God can lower a ladder, and the angels have access to help and comfort. We are never alone in this world. If you think God has abandoned you, open your eyes of faith to see a convenient door to glory and the angels that are coming and going in their duties for YOU.
Click on the Picture to see it BIGGER.
Genesis 32:1
He saw angels of God accompanying him on the journey back to confront Esau. Ellen G. White in Patriarch and Prophets says that these angels were in two groups and were his protection. When he was trembling in fear over what Esau might do to him, God allowed him to see the heavenly guard that God has sent along. Don't worry or fret - God's angels are on duty for YOU too.
Click on the Picture to see it BIGGER.
Genesis 32:24
He wrestled with the Man (Jesus?) all night. And the Bible says that by morning, It's a powerful thought to think that Almighty Christ contoled his supper natural strength, and allowed Jacob to have the upper hand. vs 25 "When He (the Man)saw that He did not prevail against him (Jacob, He (the Man) touched the socket of his hip..." Picture the pre-incarnate Christ in a head lock saying "Uncle." Wow! "Let me go!" he said. "I won't let you go...unless you bless me!" What a statement! The lesson for us is to hang in there with God...and demand the blessing he has for us too.
Thanks God for Angels.
Jacob saw angels on at least three occasions.
Genesis 28:12
He saw the ladder to heaven with angels going up and down. What a comfort to him and to us too to know that any place on earth, God can lower a ladder, and the angels have access to help and comfort. We are never alone in this world. If you think God has abandoned you, open your eyes of faith to see a convenient door to glory and the angels that are coming and going in their duties for YOU.
Click on the Picture to see it BIGGER.
Genesis 32:1
He saw angels of God accompanying him on the journey back to confront Esau. Ellen G. White in Patriarch and Prophets says that these angels were in two groups and were his protection. When he was trembling in fear over what Esau might do to him, God allowed him to see the heavenly guard that God has sent along. Don't worry or fret - God's angels are on duty for YOU too.
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Genesis 32:24
He wrestled with the Man (Jesus?) all night. And the Bible says that by morning, It's a powerful thought to think that Almighty Christ contoled his supper natural strength, and allowed Jacob to have the upper hand. vs 25 "When He (the Man)saw that He did not prevail against him (Jacob, He (the Man) touched the socket of his hip..." Picture the pre-incarnate Christ in a head lock saying "Uncle." Wow! "Let me go!" he said. "I won't let you go...unless you bless me!" What a statement! The lesson for us is to hang in there with God...and demand the blessing he has for us too.
Thanks God for Angels.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Ointment Appointment
A dear friend of mine and also a mentor preacher, John McVay recently presented a message at Loma Linda University Church called "The Alabaster Disaster." It is a story written originally by another friend, Dr. Roger Bothwell. It makes memorable the moment where a woman went shopping for an extravagant gift for Jesus.
I am working on a poem that tells this story in meter and rhyme, but it has been in process for about 3 years...and isn't done yet.
Since the poem is still percolateing, I give to you the wonderful introduction to "The Alabaster Disaster." It was used today as the opening for a communion message. Enjoy. Pastor Kris Widmer
* * *
She moves carefully, almost suspiciously, through the growing light of dawn chasing early morning shadows as they flee narrow streets. She has walked streets before...but not in this part of town. She had been a lady of the night...now she is a woman of the day. Formerly, she would have be in bed all night, but not wink of sleep. In her former life, she would be just ending her long night of work in these dawning hours...just about now... but she is no longer a hopeless whore. She has stepped out of the darkness...into the light.
Her steps seem, at once, determined and hesitant. We catch a glimpse of her face now and again through her long shawl and we see the face of an attractive, even a beautiful woman. Her face, though, is marked by more trauma than time, more yearning than years. The first rays of the morning sun strike the tops of the olive trees and cue the songbirds. They begin to sing and she becomes more serious in her search. She stops, reads a sign on one establishment. She moves down the street a bit and pauses at another.
Finally, she seems to find what she is looking for. She opens the door in a specific shop, she enters and she moves up to the counter. There on the counter is a large brightly polished brass bell with a thick leather handle. She reaches out for the handle and pauses and waits for a moment, thinking the shopkeeper might appear. He doesn’t, and so she does finally reach out and takes the big bell and rings it ever so gently.
And, out from the back of the shop bustles the shopkeeper, cheerful and rotund. In this part of the world, the first transaction of the day matters a great deal and he is hopeful that it will be as large as it is early. And so he bustles forth.
His ebullient joy gets a little sidetracked as he looks across the counter and sees a woman dressed in very plain peasant garb. But, he summons his courage and decides to make the best of it, steps up and says, “Ma’am, how are you this beautiful morning? It is delightful to have you in my shop, what can I do for you?”
“I’d like to buy some perfume.”
“Oh, well, Ma’am, if perfume is what you need, you have come to the right place.”
He reaches beneath the counter and he pulls out a small wooden box and places it on the counter for her and begins to describe its qualities.
“Ma’am, in this small wooden box there is the essence of crushed rose petals, harvested from the banks of the Jordan River. Mass produced for public consumption. It is a lovely scent. Please enjoy.”
She reaches forward, carefully takes the little box, removes the top, wafts the aroma toward her, enjoys it for a moment, sets it back down, puts the top back on the box and asks, “How much is it?”
“Oh, Ma’am, for you, today, because the sun is shining; because my mother-in-law has gone to Jericho, for you today, today, special price, five dollars.”
She holds his gaze and asks, “Do you have something a bit more expensive?”
Oh, he hadn’t expected this, looking at this woman, but he puts the small wooden box beneath the counter and this time he brings out a plain metal box. And he begins to describe it to the woman.
“Ma’am, this understated, but beautiful metal box contains an infusion of Springtime Daffodil and Iris imported all the way form Damascus, in Syria. It is a wondrous scent. Please enjoy.”
And she does so. She pulls the little box toward herself. She takes the top off, she wafts the aroma toward her and she luxuriates in it for a moment. She puts the top back on the box and moves it a little towards the shopkeeper and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, you understand that ours it the finest perfume shop in the land, and you understand that our merchandise is manufactured and imported at great expense. You did ask for something more expensive. Ma’am, for you, today, I will sell you this lovely box for 100 dollars.”
He reaches forward knowing what will happen next, knowing that he will take this metal box, put it back beneath the counter, and he will take out that small five dollar wooden box. It will look better to her now, and she will purchase that one. And so he reaches forward. He takes the box, that plain metal box and is putting it beneath the counter when she asks, “Sir, do you have something just a bit more expensive?”
Something begins to get worrisome at this point. He’s growing a little uneasy about this transaction, but he is being sucked into the vortex of this drama that is unfolding before his counter and so he reaches beneath his counter and pulls out a silver box, with a little clasp. Ever so carefully, he places it there and begins to describe it.
“Ma’am, you did ask for something more expensive and more expensive this is. This box comes to us from Arabia. It comes by camel caravan. Inside is an ancient formula, a mixture of balsam and cardamom. It is the gift, Ma’am, of a lord for his lady.”
She looks at the shopkeeper for permission. He nods. She reaches forward. She takes the beautifully tooled silver box with the little clasp. She opens the clasp and moves the top back, and wafts the wondrous ancient formula toward her, luxuriates in it for a moment, puts the top back, holds the shopkeepers gaze and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, for you today, 1000 dollars.”
She takes her fingers and stirs within the folds of her garment and the shopkeeper can hear coins clanking against one another. She removes her hand and holds his gaze and asks, “I have a bit more money than that, is it possible that you have something a bit more expensive?”
At this point, risk management issues come to mind, the keeper is concerned about security, and so he asks, “Ma’am are you sure you have money?”
“Yes, I have money.”
And so he bustles from behind the counter. He goes and opens the door, looks both ways down the street, and then he double locks the door, and he moves back around the counter. He notices that his palms are going clammy. “Ma’am, I have another treasure, it will take me a moment.”
So, he goes into the back of his shop and he brings out something in a wonderful piece of fine linen and sets it on the counter. He opens the linen, and there it is, a thing of true beauty, a beautiful gold vase. Pure symmetry and loveliness, gold. It has a wonderfully tooled stopper and this time he reaches forward and removes the stopper, wafts the aroma toward her and she enjoys it for a moment as he explains that it is imported from Rome, from the banks of the Tiber River. “It is the extract and the essence of saffron and cinnamon. It is the gift of a king for his queen.”
“How much is it?”
“For you today, Ma’am, Special Price as you open my shop for the day. 2,500 dollars.”
His blood pressure increases yet more dramatically when she asks, “Do you have something just a bit more expensive? I have to know, is this the best that your shop can offer?”
FIVE: “Well Ma’am, I do, but you must understand that this final treasure represents most of the wealth of our family. We have saved over years and years to possess this wondrous artifact. You are alone?”
“I am alone.”
“You do have money?”
“I have money.”
“It will take me a few moments,” and he disappears yet again.
When he reappears after some absence, he comes to the counter and he is carrying a beautiful piece of crushed velvet. He peels back the corners and there, standing like a starry galaxy against the black night sky, is a gorgeous alabaster jar of precious ointment.
With reverent tones he explains to the woman that this alabaster jar was imported from India. “In it is myrrh with a hint of marjoram It is the gift of an emperor for his empress. It is an extravagant gift. You cannot,” he says, “enjoy a sample of this scent. For you see, once it is used, the jar is broken. You cannot use part of this gift, you must use it all at once.”
“How much is this perfume?” she asks.
“Ma’am. There is nothing finer in the entire Mediterranean coastlands. I cannot let it let it leave my possession for anything less than 10,000 dollars.”
He is stunned, as she reaches into the folds of her garments. She collects the clinking coins hidden there. She proceeds to count them out on the counter and place them in stacks of ten. “I believe this should be enough. I’ll take it.”
The transaction is completed. He has made his first sale of the day. He has made the sale of his lifetime. She looks at him. He nods. She wraps up the treasure in the velvet and tucks it in the folds of her robe. She slips out into the streets of the city. No one, no one, would guess the treasure she holds.
She bides her time. She plans and schemes, her reconnaissance is accurate and true. She listens for reports on his itinerary and her moment finally comes - An appointment for her ointment.
Luke’s story is wonderful, and inspiring, a case study of one who gets it, one who understands the charms of Christ.
A story of Jesus....
It’s a different foot washing story.
It’s a story where his feet are not washed …at first…
But then…
It’s the story where Jesus’ feet are washed....
Toes and Tears and a Treasure.
I am working on a poem that tells this story in meter and rhyme, but it has been in process for about 3 years...and isn't done yet.
Since the poem is still percolateing, I give to you the wonderful introduction to "The Alabaster Disaster." It was used today as the opening for a communion message. Enjoy. Pastor Kris Widmer
* * *
She moves carefully, almost suspiciously, through the growing light of dawn chasing early morning shadows as they flee narrow streets. She has walked streets before...but not in this part of town. She had been a lady of the night...now she is a woman of the day. Formerly, she would have be in bed all night, but not wink of sleep. In her former life, she would be just ending her long night of work in these dawning hours...just about now... but she is no longer a hopeless whore. She has stepped out of the darkness...into the light.
Her steps seem, at once, determined and hesitant. We catch a glimpse of her face now and again through her long shawl and we see the face of an attractive, even a beautiful woman. Her face, though, is marked by more trauma than time, more yearning than years. The first rays of the morning sun strike the tops of the olive trees and cue the songbirds. They begin to sing and she becomes more serious in her search. She stops, reads a sign on one establishment. She moves down the street a bit and pauses at another.
Finally, she seems to find what she is looking for. She opens the door in a specific shop, she enters and she moves up to the counter. There on the counter is a large brightly polished brass bell with a thick leather handle. She reaches out for the handle and pauses and waits for a moment, thinking the shopkeeper might appear. He doesn’t, and so she does finally reach out and takes the big bell and rings it ever so gently.
And, out from the back of the shop bustles the shopkeeper, cheerful and rotund. In this part of the world, the first transaction of the day matters a great deal and he is hopeful that it will be as large as it is early. And so he bustles forth.
His ebullient joy gets a little sidetracked as he looks across the counter and sees a woman dressed in very plain peasant garb. But, he summons his courage and decides to make the best of it, steps up and says, “Ma’am, how are you this beautiful morning? It is delightful to have you in my shop, what can I do for you?”
“I’d like to buy some perfume.”
“Oh, well, Ma’am, if perfume is what you need, you have come to the right place.”
He reaches beneath the counter and he pulls out a small wooden box and places it on the counter for her and begins to describe its qualities.
“Ma’am, in this small wooden box there is the essence of crushed rose petals, harvested from the banks of the Jordan River. Mass produced for public consumption. It is a lovely scent. Please enjoy.”
She reaches forward, carefully takes the little box, removes the top, wafts the aroma toward her, enjoys it for a moment, sets it back down, puts the top back on the box and asks, “How much is it?”
“Oh, Ma’am, for you, today, because the sun is shining; because my mother-in-law has gone to Jericho, for you today, today, special price, five dollars.”
She holds his gaze and asks, “Do you have something a bit more expensive?”
Oh, he hadn’t expected this, looking at this woman, but he puts the small wooden box beneath the counter and this time he brings out a plain metal box. And he begins to describe it to the woman.
“Ma’am, this understated, but beautiful metal box contains an infusion of Springtime Daffodil and Iris imported all the way form Damascus, in Syria. It is a wondrous scent. Please enjoy.”
And she does so. She pulls the little box toward herself. She takes the top off, she wafts the aroma toward her and she luxuriates in it for a moment. She puts the top back on the box and moves it a little towards the shopkeeper and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, you understand that ours it the finest perfume shop in the land, and you understand that our merchandise is manufactured and imported at great expense. You did ask for something more expensive. Ma’am, for you, today, I will sell you this lovely box for 100 dollars.”
He reaches forward knowing what will happen next, knowing that he will take this metal box, put it back beneath the counter, and he will take out that small five dollar wooden box. It will look better to her now, and she will purchase that one. And so he reaches forward. He takes the box, that plain metal box and is putting it beneath the counter when she asks, “Sir, do you have something just a bit more expensive?”
Something begins to get worrisome at this point. He’s growing a little uneasy about this transaction, but he is being sucked into the vortex of this drama that is unfolding before his counter and so he reaches beneath his counter and pulls out a silver box, with a little clasp. Ever so carefully, he places it there and begins to describe it.
“Ma’am, you did ask for something more expensive and more expensive this is. This box comes to us from Arabia. It comes by camel caravan. Inside is an ancient formula, a mixture of balsam and cardamom. It is the gift, Ma’am, of a lord for his lady.”
She looks at the shopkeeper for permission. He nods. She reaches forward. She takes the beautifully tooled silver box with the little clasp. She opens the clasp and moves the top back, and wafts the wondrous ancient formula toward her, luxuriates in it for a moment, puts the top back, holds the shopkeepers gaze and asks, “Sir, how much is it?”
“Ma’am, for you today, 1000 dollars.”
She takes her fingers and stirs within the folds of her garment and the shopkeeper can hear coins clanking against one another. She removes her hand and holds his gaze and asks, “I have a bit more money than that, is it possible that you have something a bit more expensive?”
At this point, risk management issues come to mind, the keeper is concerned about security, and so he asks, “Ma’am are you sure you have money?”
“Yes, I have money.”
And so he bustles from behind the counter. He goes and opens the door, looks both ways down the street, and then he double locks the door, and he moves back around the counter. He notices that his palms are going clammy. “Ma’am, I have another treasure, it will take me a moment.”
So, he goes into the back of his shop and he brings out something in a wonderful piece of fine linen and sets it on the counter. He opens the linen, and there it is, a thing of true beauty, a beautiful gold vase. Pure symmetry and loveliness, gold. It has a wonderfully tooled stopper and this time he reaches forward and removes the stopper, wafts the aroma toward her and she enjoys it for a moment as he explains that it is imported from Rome, from the banks of the Tiber River. “It is the extract and the essence of saffron and cinnamon. It is the gift of a king for his queen.”
“How much is it?”
“For you today, Ma’am, Special Price as you open my shop for the day. 2,500 dollars.”
His blood pressure increases yet more dramatically when she asks, “Do you have something just a bit more expensive? I have to know, is this the best that your shop can offer?”
FIVE: “Well Ma’am, I do, but you must understand that this final treasure represents most of the wealth of our family. We have saved over years and years to possess this wondrous artifact. You are alone?”
“I am alone.”
“You do have money?”
“I have money.”
“It will take me a few moments,” and he disappears yet again.
When he reappears after some absence, he comes to the counter and he is carrying a beautiful piece of crushed velvet. He peels back the corners and there, standing like a starry galaxy against the black night sky, is a gorgeous alabaster jar of precious ointment.
With reverent tones he explains to the woman that this alabaster jar was imported from India. “In it is myrrh with a hint of marjoram It is the gift of an emperor for his empress. It is an extravagant gift. You cannot,” he says, “enjoy a sample of this scent. For you see, once it is used, the jar is broken. You cannot use part of this gift, you must use it all at once.”
“How much is this perfume?” she asks.
“Ma’am. There is nothing finer in the entire Mediterranean coastlands. I cannot let it let it leave my possession for anything less than 10,000 dollars.”
He is stunned, as she reaches into the folds of her garments. She collects the clinking coins hidden there. She proceeds to count them out on the counter and place them in stacks of ten. “I believe this should be enough. I’ll take it.”
The transaction is completed. He has made his first sale of the day. He has made the sale of his lifetime. She looks at him. He nods. She wraps up the treasure in the velvet and tucks it in the folds of her robe. She slips out into the streets of the city. No one, no one, would guess the treasure she holds.
She bides her time. She plans and schemes, her reconnaissance is accurate and true. She listens for reports on his itinerary and her moment finally comes - An appointment for her ointment.
Luke’s story is wonderful, and inspiring, a case study of one who gets it, one who understands the charms of Christ.
A story of Jesus....
It’s a different foot washing story.
It’s a story where his feet are not washed …at first…
But then…
It’s the story where Jesus’ feet are washed....
Toes and Tears and a Treasure.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Albion Weekend
We just returned from a wonderful trip to Albion, CA.
We meaning Debbie, Rebekah, Stephanie H, and myself.
We were invited there to speak for the weekend to the Annual Retreat of the Lakeport Church. This was my second trip to speak in this wonderful location.
I was specifically asked to present some of the Bible Alive, First Person Narrative sermons that I do. I presented Joseph (of Nazareth), The Soothsayer (Daniel 2), and the man from the pool of Bethesda.
In between presentations, we had the most wonderful food and most wonderful fellowship.
Sabbath afternoon found us at the beach, enjoying the clearing skys and the nearly wind-free afternoon. The sun came out and provided nice wading weather for humans and pelicans. There was a harbor seal enjoying fishing near the beach. It was a memorable afternoon.
Andrew - Wading Expert
After sundown vespers, we had a wonderful campfire sing, with me strumming on a borrowed guitar. The evening closed with table games in the cafeteria, playing a home made version of SEQUENCE with ROOK cards!
Sunday morning, we paddled up river in kayaks and canoes. There we saw 4 seals in the channel, and Cormorants soaring over head.
The weekend was awesome, and even more so with the remodel of the facilities. Volunteers and Visionaries from PUC have worked to upgrade the cabins. Each one has it's own shower and toilet now in the room. The rooms have new flowing, dry wall and paint. They are sooooo comfortable now...and clean. Kudos to the hard work. And thank you.
We meaning Debbie, Rebekah, Stephanie H, and myself.
We were invited there to speak for the weekend to the Annual Retreat of the Lakeport Church. This was my second trip to speak in this wonderful location.
I was specifically asked to present some of the Bible Alive, First Person Narrative sermons that I do. I presented Joseph (of Nazareth), The Soothsayer (Daniel 2), and the man from the pool of Bethesda.
In between presentations, we had the most wonderful food and most wonderful fellowship.
Sabbath afternoon found us at the beach, enjoying the clearing skys and the nearly wind-free afternoon. The sun came out and provided nice wading weather for humans and pelicans. There was a harbor seal enjoying fishing near the beach. It was a memorable afternoon.
Andrew - Wading Expert
After sundown vespers, we had a wonderful campfire sing, with me strumming on a borrowed guitar. The evening closed with table games in the cafeteria, playing a home made version of SEQUENCE with ROOK cards!
Sunday morning, we paddled up river in kayaks and canoes. There we saw 4 seals in the channel, and Cormorants soaring over head.
The weekend was awesome, and even more so with the remodel of the facilities. Volunteers and Visionaries from PUC have worked to upgrade the cabins. Each one has it's own shower and toilet now in the room. The rooms have new flowing, dry wall and paint. They are sooooo comfortable now...and clean. Kudos to the hard work. And thank you.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Where is Antioch, You Ask?
The Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church will be our new parish starting in January, and our new home when ever our house in Redding sells, and we can locate there. Hopefully certainly by June of 2009.
It is in Contra Costa County and is a city nestled along the Southern edge of the Sacramento River Delta. (See, I'm not moving far...I'm just moving down river!) It is next door to the cities of Pittsburg, Oakley and Brentwood. And has nice views of Mt. Diablo.
Here's a map, showing it in relation to Oakland and Walnut Creek (The Conference Office Area) [Click on the map to make it bigger]
Timothy is excited that it is 15 min from the BART station in Pittsburg, and will make transport to San Francisco and SFO airport very easy and convenient.
Like Abraham of old...we are a pilgrim people
It is in Contra Costa County and is a city nestled along the Southern edge of the Sacramento River Delta. (See, I'm not moving far...I'm just moving down river!) It is next door to the cities of Pittsburg, Oakley and Brentwood. And has nice views of Mt. Diablo.
Here's a map, showing it in relation to Oakland and Walnut Creek (The Conference Office Area) [Click on the map to make it bigger]
Timothy is excited that it is 15 min from the BART station in Pittsburg, and will make transport to San Francisco and SFO airport very easy and convenient.
Like Abraham of old...we are a pilgrim people
Friday, September 12, 2008
Reassignment
This last week at our board meeting, it was announced that I have accepted reassignment with the Northern California Conference. There is a need to reduce 6 pastoral budgets in the current budget year, and there is also a need for change.
The conference executive committee has voted to suspend the normal process of church interviews, and as a result, churches and pastors are not being given as much freedom of choice in their selections as has been the case in the recent 20 years or so.
Don't worry, we are not alone. There are about 30-40 of my pastoral compatriots also planning a relocation move.
Don’t worry, we are not upset. We see the hand of God in all this and are content with knowing God has our best interests at heart. We were praying about a move in location after our daughter graduates from High School in June 2009 anyway, so for God to move us 4 months early, I think that’s a pretty providential answer to our prayers. We’d been praying that God would move us at a time when it would have the most positive and least negative impact on our children, and God has certainly heard those prayers too.
Are there many people in Redding we will miss? Absolutely. One can’t be in a community for 9 years and not forge lasting, deep and meaningful friendships. We will miss you.
Now for the details. We are moving to Antioch, California and Pastor Ron and Marylin Cook are leaving from Antioch to Redding. It is a direct pastoral switch. Ron loves Pastoral Ministry and Adventist Christian Education and will be a good fit for the Redding Church. Our family wishes him all the best as he locates here. We will benefit from all his leadership at Antioch, not the least of which is a new school and a nearly completed church sanctuary campus. The transition will take place in January 2009.
That’s all for now. Please keep us in your prayers as we, like Abraham of old, depart for a location we know very little about. Remember we are all pilgrims, and heaven is our ultimate home. Please pray for our house to sell in a timely manner and at a fair price, and that God will iron out all the nagging details of not only our move, but the moves of my brother pastors in this part of God’s earth.
Love Forever,
Pastor O. Kris Widmer
The conference executive committee has voted to suspend the normal process of church interviews, and as a result, churches and pastors are not being given as much freedom of choice in their selections as has been the case in the recent 20 years or so.
Don't worry, we are not alone. There are about 30-40 of my pastoral compatriots also planning a relocation move.
Don’t worry, we are not upset. We see the hand of God in all this and are content with knowing God has our best interests at heart. We were praying about a move in location after our daughter graduates from High School in June 2009 anyway, so for God to move us 4 months early, I think that’s a pretty providential answer to our prayers. We’d been praying that God would move us at a time when it would have the most positive and least negative impact on our children, and God has certainly heard those prayers too.
Are there many people in Redding we will miss? Absolutely. One can’t be in a community for 9 years and not forge lasting, deep and meaningful friendships. We will miss you.
Now for the details. We are moving to Antioch, California and Pastor Ron and Marylin Cook are leaving from Antioch to Redding. It is a direct pastoral switch. Ron loves Pastoral Ministry and Adventist Christian Education and will be a good fit for the Redding Church. Our family wishes him all the best as he locates here. We will benefit from all his leadership at Antioch, not the least of which is a new school and a nearly completed church sanctuary campus. The transition will take place in January 2009.
That’s all for now. Please keep us in your prayers as we, like Abraham of old, depart for a location we know very little about. Remember we are all pilgrims, and heaven is our ultimate home. Please pray for our house to sell in a timely manner and at a fair price, and that God will iron out all the nagging details of not only our move, but the moves of my brother pastors in this part of God’s earth.
Love Forever,
Pastor O. Kris Widmer
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Prayer Need
I ask you to keep the family of Mark and Kay Juarez in your prayers. Just a couple of weeks ago, Marks niece committed suicide. Just as the family was dealing with this sadness, another tragidy has occured.
Just yesterday, Aug 6, a shooting took place at the home of Kay's son's girlfriend Shasta. The ex-boyfriend of her mother came to the home shot Philip and Shasta, then threw a flamable liquid on the mom (Patty) and set her on fire. He also shot and killed Patty's best friend, who happened to be up for a visit from the Bay Area. He then turned the gun on himself, inflicting a fatal wound.
Philip and Shasta are in the hospital, recovering from the wounds made by the .357 gun, and Patty is at the UC Davis Burn Unit in Sacramento.
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Pastor Kris
For what it's worth I'll insert the text that was in today's paper.
2 slain at apartment
Three other victims listed in critical condition
Two people are dead and three others were in critical condition Wednesday after a shooting inside a Hartnell Avenue apartment.
Redding police Capt. Peter Hansen said officers responded to the Creekside Village apartments about 7 a.m. after receiving several 911 calls from victims inside and from their neighbors.
When officers arrived, they heard screams and shots fired, Hansen said.
"I heard five of them (gunshots), then a sixth later on," said Harry Steen, a 64-year-old resident who lives two doors down from the apartment.
Patricia Haggard, whose face and upper body were blackened by burns, came out of the apartment shortly thereafter.
Hansen said Haggard was burned when she was doused by some sort of flammable liquid and set on fire.
Haggard was taken to the University of California at Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Hansen said. She was listed Wednesday in critical condition.
Neighbors said the trauma the 56-year-old woman underwent extended well beyond her burns.
"She looked like a zombie," said Nancy Bennett, who lives four apartments away.
Officers rushed in before the SWAT team could arrive, and found a dead man and a dead woman inside.
Another man and woman, later identified as Phillip Lampella, 28, and Shasta Maw, 27, both of Redding, were inside with gunshot wounds, Hansen said.
Maw is Haggard's daughter. Lampella is Maw’s boyfriend, Hansen said.
Both were in critical condition Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Medical Center in Redding.
Maw suffered a gunshot wound to her lower torso. Lampella had a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
The identities of the two fatally shot victims were not immediately released. Hansen said the identities likely would be available today.
The weapon used in the shooting, a .357 magnum revolver, was found inside the apartment, Hansen said.
“We’re about 99 percent certain the suspect is one of the deceased,” Hansen said. “It appears he confronted several subjects in the apartment and then shot himself.”
Hansen said a chain of events in the shooting likely would be released today. Since the surviving victims were in intensive care, it’s been difficult at best to gather any information from them about what happened Wednesday morning, leaving the burden solely on police crime scene investigators.
It appears that some sort of domestic dispute led to the shooting, Hansen said.
Haggard in June filed for a temporary restraining order against a man named Kenneth Gary Alfred, alleging domestic violence, electronic Shasta County Superior Court records show.
A non-jury trial had been scheduled for Tuesday, records show.
A message left at Alfred’s Palo Cedro area home wasn’t returned Wednesday evening.
Bennett and others at the complex said Haggard was the primary tenant, but her daughter and her boyfriend had been staying at the apartment with her in recent days.
As Haggard receives treatment for her burns, her two dogs, one of them a dachshund named Pippen, are in the care of neighbors.
“That’s her life — her puppies,” Bennett said.
Clearly terrified, with its tail between its legs, the dachshund scampered out of the apartment through a door left open by crime scene investigators.
Bennett and other neighbors were allowed behind the police tape to coax the dog out from under a Redding police crime scene van.
The dog, shaking in the arms of neighbor Christie Katt, was carried to her apartment to be reunited with the other dog.
About a half-dozen police cars were parked in front of the apartment complex. Yellow crime scene tape blocking the entrance was pulled down about 9:30 a.m.
The commotion drew area residents like John Stein, 47, out for a look. He and a group of neighbors watched from across Hartnell Avenue.
The irony, he said, was the night before, neighbors met for National Night Out, an event designed to promote community involvement to lower crime rates in neighborhoods.
“It’s pretty crazy,” he said.
Just yesterday, Aug 6, a shooting took place at the home of Kay's son's girlfriend Shasta. The ex-boyfriend of her mother came to the home shot Philip and Shasta, then threw a flamable liquid on the mom (Patty) and set her on fire. He also shot and killed Patty's best friend, who happened to be up for a visit from the Bay Area. He then turned the gun on himself, inflicting a fatal wound.
Philip and Shasta are in the hospital, recovering from the wounds made by the .357 gun, and Patty is at the UC Davis Burn Unit in Sacramento.
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Pastor Kris
For what it's worth I'll insert the text that was in today's paper.
2 slain at apartment
Three other victims listed in critical condition
Two people are dead and three others were in critical condition Wednesday after a shooting inside a Hartnell Avenue apartment.
Redding police Capt. Peter Hansen said officers responded to the Creekside Village apartments about 7 a.m. after receiving several 911 calls from victims inside and from their neighbors.
When officers arrived, they heard screams and shots fired, Hansen said.
"I heard five of them (gunshots), then a sixth later on," said Harry Steen, a 64-year-old resident who lives two doors down from the apartment.
Patricia Haggard, whose face and upper body were blackened by burns, came out of the apartment shortly thereafter.
Hansen said Haggard was burned when she was doused by some sort of flammable liquid and set on fire.
Haggard was taken to the University of California at Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Hansen said. She was listed Wednesday in critical condition.
Neighbors said the trauma the 56-year-old woman underwent extended well beyond her burns.
"She looked like a zombie," said Nancy Bennett, who lives four apartments away.
Officers rushed in before the SWAT team could arrive, and found a dead man and a dead woman inside.
Another man and woman, later identified as Phillip Lampella, 28, and Shasta Maw, 27, both of Redding, were inside with gunshot wounds, Hansen said.
Maw is Haggard's daughter. Lampella is Maw’s boyfriend, Hansen said.
Both were in critical condition Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Medical Center in Redding.
Maw suffered a gunshot wound to her lower torso. Lampella had a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
The identities of the two fatally shot victims were not immediately released. Hansen said the identities likely would be available today.
The weapon used in the shooting, a .357 magnum revolver, was found inside the apartment, Hansen said.
“We’re about 99 percent certain the suspect is one of the deceased,” Hansen said. “It appears he confronted several subjects in the apartment and then shot himself.”
Hansen said a chain of events in the shooting likely would be released today. Since the surviving victims were in intensive care, it’s been difficult at best to gather any information from them about what happened Wednesday morning, leaving the burden solely on police crime scene investigators.
It appears that some sort of domestic dispute led to the shooting, Hansen said.
Haggard in June filed for a temporary restraining order against a man named Kenneth Gary Alfred, alleging domestic violence, electronic Shasta County Superior Court records show.
A non-jury trial had been scheduled for Tuesday, records show.
A message left at Alfred’s Palo Cedro area home wasn’t returned Wednesday evening.
Bennett and others at the complex said Haggard was the primary tenant, but her daughter and her boyfriend had been staying at the apartment with her in recent days.
As Haggard receives treatment for her burns, her two dogs, one of them a dachshund named Pippen, are in the care of neighbors.
“That’s her life — her puppies,” Bennett said.
Clearly terrified, with its tail between its legs, the dachshund scampered out of the apartment through a door left open by crime scene investigators.
Bennett and other neighbors were allowed behind the police tape to coax the dog out from under a Redding police crime scene van.
The dog, shaking in the arms of neighbor Christie Katt, was carried to her apartment to be reunited with the other dog.
About a half-dozen police cars were parked in front of the apartment complex. Yellow crime scene tape blocking the entrance was pulled down about 9:30 a.m.
The commotion drew area residents like John Stein, 47, out for a look. He and a group of neighbors watched from across Hartnell Avenue.
The irony, he said, was the night before, neighbors met for National Night Out, an event designed to promote community involvement to lower crime rates in neighborhoods.
“It’s pretty crazy,” he said.
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